Note: If you're not into politics and you don't want to hear people being angry about the current political situation, this probably isn't the episode for you. Episode 29 of The Socially Distanced Podcast sees the monthly return of Pop Break's music editor Kat Manos and Pop Break contributor Cole Rothacker aka The California Connection. In this episode, our favorite Californians join Al and Bill to talk about the news of Regal Cinemas shutting down in the U.S. and the future of movie theaters th...
Oct 09, 2020•1 hr 40 min
This is a special episode of the podcast as the guys celebrate the 11th Anniversary of ThePopBreak.com! Your hosts Al Mannarino and Bill Bodkin are joined by the original co-founder of the site, Brent Johnson, to discuss the humble and odd beginnings of the site. The trio reminisce about Pop Break live shows, covering concerts, New Brunswick vs. Asbury Park and the legacy of the site. After the nostalgia-fest, they discuss the trailer for the Simon Pegg/Nick Frost Amazon Prime series, Truth Seek...
Oct 03, 2020•1 hr 57 min•Season 1Ep. 28
A special mid-week episode of The Socially Distanced podcast focuses on the 2020 Emmy Awards. Al and Bill are joined this week by Pop Break's television editor and Emmy expert Alex Marcus. Alex deftly breaks down the history Schitt's Creek made with all its Emmy wins, as well as the not-so surprising win for Billy Crudup ( The Morning Show ). The gang goes onto wax poetic about HBO's Watchmen once again while also discussing the big wins for Zendaya and Succession -- while not forgetting the Emm...
Sep 23, 2020•1 hr 54 min
The 26th Episode of The Socially Distanced Podcast goes to SPACE! Well, technically Al Mannarino, Bill Bodkin and special guest Alisha Weinberger (Social Media Manager of ThePopBreak.com) are all in New Jersey but we're talking a ton of science fiction. The episode begins with a brief discussion of the second DC Fandome and how it failed to live up to the hype of the first. From there, the bulk of the episode discusses the trailer for Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert's Dune . Al, A...
Sep 21, 2020•1 hr 47 min
It's Episode 25! That means we're finally here. The moment has arrived. Al and Bill sat down, watched the pilot for the failed 2005 FOX sci-fi/horror/drama/soap -- Point Pleasant. Yes, Point Pleasant, a show supposedly set in the Jersey Shore town Al and Bill know extremely well, but in actuality was probably shot on the same sets The O.C. used. The series was created by Buffy the Vampire Slayer producer Marti Noxon and starred Elisabeth Harnois as maybe the daughter of Satan who washes up in a ...
Sep 11, 2020•1 hr 24 min
Welcome to the 24th Episode of the Socially Distanced Podcast...the one where Al went AWOL. That's right Bill Bodkin flies solo this week, but is thankfully joined by the unofficial (but actual) hosts of the podcast -- Pop Break music editor Kat Manos and staff writer Cole Rothacker. Amidst Bill's terrible attempts at dad jokes and pseudo-intellectualism, the episode revolves around Disney+'s decision to release Mulan free of charge to subscribers in December (despite a $30 price tag in Septembe...
Sep 04, 2020•1 hr 39 min•Season 1Ep. 24
The 23rd episode (we're two weeks from our Point Pleasant watch-a-along!) finds Al and Bill bringing former Pop Break film editor Dan Cohen out of retirement to talk about his favorite thing the world (outside of Tom Brady) -- Batman the films of the DCEU. The reason our heroes dusted the moth balls off of Dan was because the DC Fandome event which premiered trailers and teasers for The Batman (starring Robert Pattinson), The Suicide Squad (directed by James Gunn), Wonder Woman 84, along with th...
Aug 28, 2020•2 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 23
This week The Socially Distanced Podcast heads to the golden fields of Iowa as Al and Bill are joined by Pop Break staff writer, Christian Bischoff. Christian gives us the insight on a phenomenon called The Corn Sweats, and if you thinking we're kidding you're dead wrong. Once the science lesson ends, we dive into the big story -- Disney's decision to move Mulan to Disney+ at $30 price tag. The trio discuss the ramifications of this -- especially if Mulan is a hit -- on VOD and movie theaters in...
Aug 21, 2020•2 hr•Season 1Ep. 22
Special guest Tommy Siegel (Jukebox the Ghost) joins Al and Bill to talk about his upcoming book (I Hope This Helps) and debut solo album (Another Century Wasted). They also discussed the current state of the music industry, the genesis of his daily comics project, recording music during a pandemic, and much much more. This Week's Music in a Time of Quarantine: Al's Pick: MTV Unplugged , Bleachers Bill's Pick: No Instructions , The Happy Fits Tommy's Pick: Future Teenage Cave Artists , Deerhoof ...
Aug 14, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Al and Bill are joined this episode by senior music writer for ThePopBreak.com, Anthony Toto ... and there's a lot to talk about. First, The Rock bought The XFL? Yeah, the XFL. The trio discuss the weird history of the XFL and how Dwayne Johnson's involvement could only mean big things for them. Also, in the world of sports, they discuss the return of baseball, basketball and hockey and how it's been watching them as a fan. Also on the podcast, the amazing soundtrack to Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 + ...
Aug 11, 2020•1 hr 37 min
Our heroes (Bill and Al) are joined by The Pop Break’s Music Editor, Kat Manos and writer Cole Rothacker as they continue their streak of visiting the pod once a month to discuss the lackluster buzz surrounding Comic Con @ Home, the return of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in Amazon Prime Video’s Truth Seekers, and an Adam McKay produced limited series focusing on the race to cure COVID-19. In the recommendations sections of the podcast, Al becomes a full on dad with his music pick and they briefly d...
Aug 01, 2020•1 hr 58 min•Season 1Ep. 19
The 18th episode of The Socially Distanced Podcast finds Bill and Al talking with longtime senior Pop Break writer, the man who redesigned the site and plays a mean Attack! Attack! cover -- Mr. Nick Porcaro. On this episode - Bill, Al and Nick discuss the very real and very devastating news that (according to a head organizer of Lollapalooza) that live music may not return until 2022. The trio discuss the possibilities of concerts next year and how this news would impact both festivals and conce...
Jul 24, 2020•2 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 18
The 17th episode of The Socially Distanced Podcast was a wild one! Al Mannarino and Bill Bodkin are joined, once again, by Pop Break's social media manager, Alisha Weinberger. In the episode, the "WTF" segment deals with the absolutely mind-boggling decision that Disney World made to re-open during the massive increase of COVID-19 cases in the state of Florida. They discuss if they would go to Disney now, or any time soon and how the park can even monitor people adhering to their rules. Later in...
Jul 17, 2020•1 hr 41 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Al and Bill celebrate the four-month anniversary of the podcast with a very special guest (and their first non Pop-Break guest), Kelly McGovern. Kelly is a social media ambassador for a number of independent movie houses in New Jersey and is one of Bill and Al's favorite people to pop culture with. In this episode, the trio talk about Kanye West's announcement via Twitter on July 4 that he will be running for President in the 2020 election. They follow that whole debacle up with their thoughts o...
Jul 10, 2020•1 hr 42 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Happy Fourth of July Weekend and Welcome to the 15th Episode of the Socially Distanced Podcast. This week Al and Bill are joined by Pop Break's first-ever intern, former TV editor and current "senior human who does podcasts" -- Matt Taylor. In this episode the trio talk about the potential of Michael Keaton returning as Batman for the upcoming (maybe?) Flash film. The conversation takes a turn into a retrospective on Batman Forever and Batman and Robin, and Chris O'Donnell's earrings. They also,...
Jul 03, 2020•1 hr 25 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Pop Break's podcast producer, engineer and editor Lucas P. Jones returns to the Socially Distanced Podcast mostly to talk about meat and beer. Well, that's not exactly true. Lucas, Al and Bill do talk meat and beer, but they also break down the very important topic of wearing masks in public. The crux of their conversation comes from AMC Movie Theaters initial decision to not require masks when theaters re-open then quickly changing their mind to definitely requiring them. The trio discuss how e...
Jun 26, 2020•1 hr 39 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Pop Break's music editor Kat Manos returns for her third guest appearance on the Socially Distanced podcast -- and she's not alone. Joining Kat once again is Pop Break film contributor, Cole Rothacker. The duo join Bill and Al to discuss Hollywood (fitting since they live a few minutes north of it) -- in particular the news of the Oscars expanding to 10 Best Picture nominations in 2022 and the Academy's intentions for diversification in its governing body. They also discuss the passing of famed ...
Jun 25, 2020•2 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 13
This is one of the more unusual podcasts we've done so far. This was recorded on Tuesday June 9 at the height of the protests around the United States. Neither Bill nor Al really knew what to talk about or even if the episode should happen, but they figured just talking would be good not only for their own mental health, but would also provide a quick break for everyone listening. The episode starts with a tribute to former owner of the site John Elliott who passed away earlier in the month. It'...
Jun 19, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 12
The 11th episode of the Socially Distanced Podcast was an episode we weren't sure we even wanted to record, and we were even debating about releasing this week. Ultimately, we figured, since the mantra of Pop Break is to provide a pop culture break from the heaviness in the world, that may be a podcast would be a small break in all this. If you want to give this a listen Bill, Al, and special guest Ryan DeMarco talk about our five favorite movies from the 2010s might serve as a bit of a break, a...
Jun 04, 2020•2 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 11
It's the 10th episode of the Socially Distanced Podcast, and we're changing all the rules! Al and Bill welcome back their first guest ever, Pop Break's music editor Kat Manos -- and she isn't alone! Her partner and Pop Break contributor Cole Rathacker joins this super-sized episode to talk about the controversial Snyder Cut. This much-talked-about version of Justice League will be heading to HBO MAX, and the four talk about why HBO MAX is making this move (and if it makes any sense), as well as ...
May 27, 2020•2 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 10
This week Al and Bill are joined Pop Break film and television staff writer Ben Murchison . The trio talks a lot about sports, but also dive into the absolute fiasco that is the release date for New Mutants, and why Disney is insistent on putting this film out in theaters and not streaming. They also dive into Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams's song from the upcoming Netflix film Eurovision, dubbed "Volcano Man," and they look at Disney's decision to pull Hamilton from theaters and move it straig...
May 20, 2020•1 hr 43 min•Season 1Ep. 9
This week Al and Bill are joined Pop Break senior writer Laura Dengrove -- who still holds the distinction of being the youngest person to ever write for Pop Break. The trio discusses LiveNation's plans on potentially instituting drive-in concerts, which of course leads into conversations about the future of concert venues, and why on earth we don't have more drive-in movie theaters. They also discuss the updated version of Robin Sparkles' "Let's Go to the Mall" from How I Met Your Mother, plus ...
May 14, 2020•1 hr 27 min•Season 1Ep. 8
This week, Al & Bill are joined by Rob Crowther IV (Senior Editor, The Pop Break & Host of The Bob Culture Podcast ) to discuss the future of going to the movies, All Elite Wrestling's Manitoba Melee, the trailer for HBO's Lovecraft Country , the gloriousness of Forgetting Sarah Marshall and listen to Al and Rob laugh as Bill fumbles his way through a podcast. The Soundtrack to our Quarantine: Bill's Pick: ' Living in a Ghost Town ' by The Rolling Stones Al's Pick: 'Don't Stop... (DEMO) ...
May 06, 2020•1 hr 39 min•Season 1Ep. 7
This week, Al & Bill are joined by Rachel Freeman (Comic Book Editor, The Pop Break ) to discuss HBO MAX -- it's content (both immediate and the future JJ Abrams properties), it's cost and will they be picking it up. The trio also discusses Seinfeld's upcoming standup special on Netflix, Parks & Recreation 's in-character reunion, and The Fraggles coming back to television The Soundtrack to our Quarantine: Bill's Pick: ' Let's Get High Tonight ' by Steel Panther Al's Pick: ' OATMILK ' by...
Apr 29, 2020•2 hr 12 min•Season 1Ep. 6
This week, Al & Bill are joined by Anthony Toto (Senior Editor, The Pop Break) to discuss the very real, and the very serious possibility that there will be no concerts until Fall 2021. They also talk about the absolute pure joy of The Wonders/Oneders reunion on YouTube and how Bill almost booked them in Asbury Park (sorta), and they geek out over the announcement over the eight-part Mandalorian series. And of course, they talk about Ducktales. The Soundtrack to our Quarantine: Bill's Pick: ...
Apr 22, 2020•1 hr 51 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Al Mannarino and Bill Bodkin are two pop culture obsessed dads stuck in quarantine. They have decided to take their Facebook messenger conversations and turn them into a podcast. As they discuss everything in the world movies, music, sports, television, and pop culture -- everything keeping them sane in this time of socially distancing. This week, Al & Bill are joined by Alisha Weinberger (Senior Editor & Purveyor of Spicy Memes, The Pop Break) to discuss the Dr. Moreau-inspired madness ...
Apr 15, 2020•1 hr 55 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Al Mannarino and Bill Bodkin are two pop culture obsessed dads stuck in quarantine. They have decided to take their Facebook messenger conversations and turn them into a podcast. As they discuss everything in the world movies, music, sports, television, and pop culture -- everything keeping them sane in this time of socially distancing. This week, Al & Bill are joined by Lucas Jones (Podcast Producer, The Pop Break) to discuss what the hell Quibi is and why you should care. They also talk ab...
Apr 08, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Al Mannarino and Bill Bodkin are two pop culture obsessed dads stuck in quarantine. They have decided to take their Facebook messenger conversations and turn them into a podcast. As they discuss everything in the world movies, music, sports, television, and pop culture -- everything keeping them sane in this time of socially distancing. This week, Al & Bill are joined by Kat Manos (Music Editor, The Pop Break) to discuss all things Tiger King, Stephen Colbert's transformation into Tony Stark...
Apr 01, 2020•1 hr 34 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Al Mannarino and Bill Bodkin are two pop culture obsessed dads stuck in quarantine. They have decided to take their Facebook messenger conversations and turn them into a podcast. As they discuss everything in the world movies, music, sports, television and pop culture -- everything keeping them sane in this time of socially distancing. This week, Al & Bill discuss Tom Brady's move to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost's " The Plan " PSA, and Rosario Dawson joining the cast o...
Mar 26, 2020•57 min•Season 1Ep. 1
